Miami Heat Forward Haywood Highsmith Sued After Crash Resulted in Pedestrian's Leg Amputation

A young pedestrian, Alekxei Pino, who had his leg amputated after being struck by a vehicle driven by Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith, is taking legal action against the basketball player. The incident occurred in West Kendall, and court records indicate that Pino is now pursuing legal action against Highsmith for the injuries sustained during the accident.

In a lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade, Pino alleges that Highsmith was speeding when the collision occurred on February 7th. The legal filing asserts that the accident resulted in "significant bodily injuries, including the loss of his leg.” Pino is seeking damages in excess of $100,000, citing the negligence of Highsmith as the cause of his permanent bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability, and mental anguish. Attorney Manuel Dobrinsky, representing Pino, addressed these claims in the lawsuit.

Accident

Highsmith, 27, was reportedly driving home from a game when the collision occurred near the intersection of Southwest 138th Ave. in West Kendall. The lawsuit contends that Highsmith was driving the 2021 Audi A5 at a speed exceeding the legal limit, with the crash report listing his estimated speed at 45 mph, while the speed limit on the street is 40 mph.

Additionally, it was noted that Pino was assisting a stranded motorist at the time of the accident, emphasizing the requirement under Florida law for drivers to proceed with caution around disabled vehicles.

In response to the allegations, Highsmith's agent, Jerry Dianis, maintained that the NBA player was not speeding and emphasized that the disabled car did not have its lights on at the time of the crash. Dianis also stated that Highsmith "immediately rushed to help" Pino and remained at the scene until medical assistance arrived. Expressing remorse for the incident, Dianis conveyed Highsmith’s gratitude for the support and prayers received from the Miami Heat and its fans.

The legal proceedings surrounding this case are indicative of the complexities and consequences of incidents involving negligence on the road, emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic laws and exercising caution while driving. The lawsuit filed by Alekxei Pino against Haywood Highsmith serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impact of road accidents and the legal recourse available to those affected.

This legal action and the circumstances leading up to the collision prompt a closer examination of the responsibilities and liabilities associated with driving, highlighting the significance of adhering to regulations and exercising prudence to ensure the safety of all individuals on the road.